Major events making a splash in Brisbane

Brisbane is strengthening its reputation as a world-class major events destination with an international water polo test series secured, an impressive economic benefit revealed from the inaugural NRL Magic Round, and tickets selling fast for Opera Australia’s Ring Cycle more than a year out from it being staged.

The latest addition to Brisbane’s event calendar, a water polo International Test Series, is set to make a splash in January.

The Australia vs USA event will be part of the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, offering sporting fans the opportunity to see the Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers in action against the US teams.

It will be held as part of the two-week national Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), with last year’s inaugural event attracting more than 3,000 participants to Brisbane from across the country.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was recognised for hosting major sporting events and water polo competitors, fans and family members could expect a festival atmosphere in the city.

“Brisbane is a destination for the whole family and I encourage the competitors and spectators visiting our city to take advantage of our fantastic tourism offerings,” he said.

The test series, secured by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Brisbane Marketing, will be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on 14, 16 and 18 January 2020.

The economic benefits of another sporting event, the NRL Magic Round, are rippling through the city with the impressive impact of more than $20 million now revealed.

The inaugural four-day football event held in May attracted 116,000 fans, with more than 48,000 of those fans travelling to Brisbane specifically for the NRL Magic Round.

Out of those who made the special trip, more than 24,000 travelled interstate demonstrating just how much of a drawcard the event was.

The NRL Magic Round was secured for Brisbane by Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, and will be returning next year on the back of the overwhelmingly successful inaugural event.

Cr Schrinner said securing the NRL Magic Round was part of the city’s plan to grow the local economy and attract more visitors.

“The NRL Magic Round was an Australian first and one that we were thrilled to add to our rich calendar of major events offering more to see and do in Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.

“We’re committed to attracting more major sporting and cultural events, which shine a spotlight on our city, draw interstate and international visitors, fill hotel rooms and boost the hospitality, retail and service industries.”

While it won’t be staged in Brisbane until late 2020, the operatic masterpiece The Ring Cycle has already proven it pull power with tickets selling fast.

Only two months after the event was announced and tickets released, almost three quarters of ticket packages have sold, worth more than $4.5 million.

About 75 per cent of package sales, more than 10,000, have come from interstate and international opera fans including New Zealand, the USA and UK.

Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing worked with Opera Australia to secure the Ring Cycle, known as the ‘Everest of opera’ with a global following, for Brisbane.

Cr Schrinner said each ticket sold to an interstate and international fan was an opportunity to showcase Brisbane as a destination with plenty to see and do.

“While fans are here enjoying the Ring Cycle they will package their experience, choosing from Brisbane’s hotels, vibrant dining and drinking venues, and cultural and adventure activities,” Cr Schrinner said.

“The 10,000 tickets from interstate and international fans represent a new audience for Brisbane and a chance to wow them with all our city has to offer while boosting our economy at the same time.”

Brisbane, Australia, is a thriving multicultural city and successful host of the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit. A global hub in scientific innovation, mining and resources, technology, education, meetings and incentives and cultural attractions, Brisbane is committed to strengthening international trade and commerce.